Sarah Fraggis on Turning Struggles into a Multi-Million Dollar Skincare Brand

CEO Roundtable

Sarah Fraggis doesn’t just run a skincare brand; she embodies resilience and reinvention. As the CEO of Filterless Era, Sarah has built an empire rooted in authenticity, empowering others, and embracing natural beauty. But her journey wasn’t a straight path to success—it was a winding road of self-discovery, risks, and relentless determination.

Years ago, Sarah found herself in a place many can relate to: feeling trapped by circumstances and unsure of her potential. Married young and raising two children, she lived under someone else’s dreams while yearning to pursue her own. "I always wanted to go to art school, but life had other plans," Sarah shared. Yet, the same grit that made her dream big also drove her to find a way forward when the odds seemed stacked against her.

The turning point came when Sarah hit what she describes as rock bottom. “When you’re at the lowest point, there’s nowhere to go but up,” she reflected. With little more than $300 and a deep conviction, she created the foundation for Filterless Era. Her mission? To empower women with tools and techniques that enhance natural beauty without invasive measures.

Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey was anything but smooth. Along the way, she faced skepticism, financial losses, and even outright scams. She candidly recounted nearly losing her Instagram account to a phishing scheme and unknowingly sending money to a hacker. "I’ve been bamboozled, but every mistake has taught me something," she said. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, Sarah used them as fuel to propel herself forward.

A key to her success has been staying true to her values. Filterless Era isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement. Sarah advocates for a “less is more” approach to beauty, emphasizing ancient, non-invasive practices like gua sha and lymphatic drainage. Her goal is simple yet profound: to help people feel beautiful as they are, without filters or facades.

As her business flourished, so did her personal growth. Sarah learned the importance of separating herself from the brand and sharing her own story. "I want women to see that if I can do it, they can too," she said. Her story resonates because it’s raw and relatable. From managing a fast-growing Instagram account—now over 344,000 followers strong—to being featured in publications like Vogue and Cosmopolitan, Sarah has proven that success doesn’t require a traditional path.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah’s heart remains firmly rooted in giving back. She recently partnered with a women’s shelter to provide skincare kits and workshops for women rebuilding their lives. “Confidence is the one thing that costs nothing but can take you anywhere,” she shared. By offering practical tools and sharing her own experiences, Sarah aims to spark that confidence in others.

For those navigating their own paths, Sarah offers this advice: "Do your research, trust your instincts, and don’t let setbacks derail you. Use them as motivation to push forward." Her story is proof that even the hardest challenges can be stepping stones to something greater.

Sarah Fraggis isn’t just building a brand—she’s creating a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and authenticity. And through Filterless Era, she’s reminding everyone that beauty is more than skin deep—it’s about embracing who you are and inspiring others to do the same.